Method of treating hair

ABSTRACT

A hair treatment process comprises the following steps A or B, and includes conducting shaping of hair in at least one of the steps:  
     Steps A: A first pack with a reducing agent contained therein and a second pack with an oxidizing agent contained therein, said second pack having buffer capacity and a pH of from 1 to 5, are successively applied to the hair, and the hair is rinsed with water and is dried (the first pack or the second pack contains an organic acid (A) or a salt thereof),  
     Steps B: A first pack with a reducing agent contained therein, an intermediate treatment having buffer capacity and a pH of from 1 to 5, and a second pack with an oxidizing agent contained therein are successively applied to the hair, and the hair is rinsed with water and is dried (the first pack or the intermediate treatment contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof),  
     Organic acid (A): a compound comprising a non-aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11 or an aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 and an acidic group such as a sulfo group, sulfate ester group or the like.  
     By a procedure as simple as conventional straight perm, an extremely high, extremely curly hair correcting effect can be obtained. Further, subsequent to the treatment, the corrected state can be restored or maintained by a routine aftercare without damaging the hair.

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to a extremely curly hair correction process involving reduction of hair keratin, a process for maintaining or restoring the thus-corrected state, and compositions for use in these processes.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] To straighten naturally curly hair or extremely curly hair, several extremely curly hair correction processes are practiced at beauty salons and the like. These processes include a process called “straight perm”. This process comprises applying a first-pack straight perm composition, which contains a hair keratin reducing substance, to curly hair to fix the hair in straight configuration, allowing the hair to stand for a predetermined time, washing off the first-pack straight perm composition with water, and then treating the hair with a second-pack composition which contains an oxidizing agent. This process has a merit that it is relatively simple and convenient, but involves demerits that the correcting effect is weak and the treated hair tends to prematurely return with days into the form of the curly hair.

[0003] There is also a process called “ironing extremely curly hair correction”. According to this process, a first-pack composition with a hair keratin reducing substance contained therein is applied to curly hair, the hair is left over for a predetermined time, the first-pack composition is rinsed off with water, the hair is shaped into straight configuration by a high-temperature iron controlled around 160° C., and then, the hair is treated with a second-pack composition which contains an oxidizing agent. This process has a high correcting effect and persistency compared with the above-mentioned straight perm, but requires labor and time. This process is also accompanied by a problem in that natural waves tend to remain at less voluminous hair tip portions.

[0004] Whichever process is used, however, a return into the form of the curly hair takes place through repetition of shampooing or the like after the correction treatment of the extremely curly hair. To correct the extremely curly hair again, straight perm or ironing extremely curly hair correction has to be applied again. Repetition of such treatment leads to a problem that the hair is seriously damaged.

[0005] Not limited to hair straightening but also even when various wavy perms are applied to curly hair or extremely curly hair, an insufficient extremely curly hair correcting effect results in a problem that the natural curliness or curliness of the hair remains without complete correction, the resulting waves are not styled neat and hence, the finish is not attractive.

[0006] As a process capable of solving the above-mentioned problems, a technique has been proposed to straighten hair by using a particular organic salt or a salt thereof, which has a curly hair correcting effect under an acidic condition, in combination with an organic solvent having a hair penetration promoting effect (JP-A-08092043). This process is, however, not fully comparable in extremely curly hair correcting effect with the conventional straight perms. Another extremely curly hair correcting process has also been proposed, which comprises applying a composition, which contains a compound having a pKa of 5 or smaller and at least one carboxylic acid group or sulfonic acid group and has a pH of from 2 to 5, and then conducing an oxidizing treatment (JP-A-07101840). This process is, however, not sufficient in extremely curly hair correcting effect, either.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0007] An object of the present invention is to solve these conventional problems and to provide a hair treatment process having a very high extremely curly hair correcting effect and very high persistency of the effect. Another object is to provide a process for easily achieving maintenance and restoration of the extremely curly hair correcting effect, which has been imparted by practicing the hair treatment process, without giving a damage to the hair. A further object is to provide compositions for use in these hair treatment processes.

[0008] The present inventors have found that a extremely curly hair correcting effect and persistency of the effect, which are higher than those available from the conventional straight perms, can be obtained when, in a state that the hair structure is relaxed by reductive cleavage of disulfide bonds in the hair in the course of a so-called permanent treatment making use of a first-pack composition with a hair keratin reducing substance contained therein and a second-pack composition with an oxidizing agent contained therein, an organic acid having a specific structure is applied and the pH is then controlled to 1 to 5 with a buffering agent to have the organic acid absorbed in a large amount in hair. The present inventors have also found that this process makes it possible to obtain a high extremely curly hair correcting effect even only by a simple shaping action such as combing and further that use of a heating device such as a high-temperature iron can obtain a still higher extremely curly hair correcting effect. Further, the present inventors have also found that, when hair is wound on rods as a styling action or otherwise styled to impart waves to the hair, neatly styled curling is feasible even if the hair has significant natural curliness or curliness, because the hair is styled into curls while the natural curliness or curliness is being corrected.

[0009] The present inventors have also found that the extremely curly hair correcting effect can be easily maintained or restored without giving a damage to the hair by causing an aqueous treatment composition—which contains an organic acid having a specific structure or a salt thereof, has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5—to act on the hair previously subjected to extremely curly hair correction by the above-described method.

[0010] Described specifically, the present invention provides a hair treatment process comprising the following steps (1-1) to (1-4) in at least one of which shaping of hair is conducted with optional use of a heating device as needed, and at least one of a first pack and a second pack comprising the following organic acid (A) or a salt thereof:

[0011] Steps:

[0012] (1-1) applying the first pack, which comprises a hair keratin reducing substance, to the hair, and after allowing the hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes,

[0013] (1-2) rinsing the hair with water as needed,

[0014] (1-3) applying the second pack, which comprises an oxidizing agent, has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5, to the hair, and after allowing the hair to stand for 1 to 60 minutes,

[0015] (1-4) rinsing the hair with water, and drying the hair.

[0016] Organic acid (A): a compound comprising a non-aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11 or an aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 and an acidic group selected from a sulfo group, sulfate ester group, sulfino group, sulfeno group, phosphono group, phosphate ester group or phosphinico group.

[0017] The present invention also provides a hair treatment process comprising the following steps (2-1) to (2-5) in at least one of which shaping of hair is conducted with optional use of a heating device as needed, and at least one of a first pack and an intermediate treatment comprising the organic acid (A) or salt thereof:

[0018] Steps:

[0019] (2-1) applying the first pack, which comprises a hair keratin reducing substance, to the hair, and after allowing the hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes,

[0020] (2-2) applying the intermediate treatment, which has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5, to the hair,

[0021] (2-3) rinsing the hair with water as needed,

[0022] (2-4) applying a second pack, which comprises an oxidizing agent, to the hair, and after allowing the hair to stand for 1 to 60 minutes,

[0023] (2-5) rinsing the hair with water, and drying the hair.

[0024] The present invention also provides an aqueous composition, which is the first pack for use in any one of the above-described hair treatment processes, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 0.1 to 20 wt. % of the hair keratin reducing substance, and has a pH of from 5 to 11.

[0025] The present invention also provides an aqueous composition, which is the second pack for use in any one of the above-described hair treatment processes, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent and 0.1 to 20 wt. % of the oxidizing agent, and has a pH of from 1 to 5.

[0026] The present invention also provides an aqueous composition, which is the intermediate treatment for use in the above-described hair treatment processes, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent, and has a pH of from 1 to 5.

[0027] The present invention also provides a hair treatment process which comprises applying an after-treatment—which comprises the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5—to the hair treated by any one of the above-described processes, allowing the hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes, rinsing the hair with water, and then drying the hair.

[0028] The present invention also provides an aqueous composition, which is the after-treatment for use in the above-described hair treatment processes, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent, and has a pH of from 1 to 5.

[0029] According to each hair treatment process according to the present invention, an extremely high, extremely curly hair correcting effect can be obtained by a procedure as simple as conventional straight perm. Further, subsequent to the practice of the extremely curly hair correcting process, the corrected state can be maintained or, after returned into the extremely curly state, the corrected state of the hair can be restored, both by a routine aftercare at home without damaging the hair. It has, therefore, become possible to avoid a damage to the hair by a treatment such as a further straight perm or additional ironing which has heretofore been required to maintain a straightened state.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0030] In the organic acid (A) or salt thereof for use in the present invention, the non-aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11 can be a substituted or unsubstituted, aliphatic hydrocarbon group, alicyclic hydrocarbon group, non-aromatic heterocyclic group or the like. The aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 can be a substituted or unsubstituted, aromatic hydrocarbon group or heterocyclic aromatic group. Preferred examples of these hydrophobic groups can include groups to be mentioned hereinafter.

[0031] Preferred examples of the aliphatic hydrocarbon group can include linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having total carbon numbers of from 3 to 11, especially total carbon numbers of from 4 to 10, and those obtained by substituting these groups with one or more alkoxy groups, which will be mentioned subsequently herein, such that their total carbon numbers fall within the above-specified range.

[0032] The alicyclic hydrocarbon group can be a hydrocarbon group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11, especially from a total carbon number of from 5 to 10 and containing a saturated or unsaturated alicyclic structure in at least a part thereof. Preferred examples can include cycloalkyl groups, cycloalkenyl groups, cycloalkadienyl groups, cycloalkatrienyl groups and cycloalkynyl groups, and those obtained by substituting these groups with one or more aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and/or alkoxy groups to be mentioned subsequently herein or by substituting the below-mentioned aliphatic hydrocarbon groups with one or more of these groups such that the total carbon numbers of the thus-substituted groups fall within the above-specified range.

[0033] The non-aromatic heterocyclic group can be a group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11, especially a total carbon number of from 4 to 10 and containing a saturated or unsaturated heterocyclic structure in at least a part thereof. Preferred examples can include a pyrrolidyl group, piperidyl group, piperidino group, morpholinyl group and morpholino group, and those obtained by substituting these groups with one or more of the below-mentioned aliphatic hydrocarbon groups and/or alkoxy groups or by substituting the below-mentioned aliphatic hydrocarbon groups with one or more of these groups such that the total carbon numbers of the thus-substituted groups fall within the above-specified range.

[0034] The aromatic hydrocarbon group can be a hydrocarbon group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18, especially a total carbon number of from 6 to 14 and containing an aromatic ring group in at least a part thereof. Preferred examples can include a phenyl group, naphthyl group, anthryl group, biphenylyl group, phenoxyphenyl group, diphenylmethyl group, cumylphenyl group, indenyl group and fluorenyl group, and those obtained by substituting these groups with one or more of the below-mentioned hydrocarbon groups and/or alkoxy groups or by substituting the below-mentioned hydrocarbon groups with one or more of these groups such that the total carbon numbers of the thus-substituted groups fall within the above-specified range.

[0035] Preferred as the heterocyclic aromatic group can be groups each having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 and containing a heterocyclic group in at least a part thereof, for example, a furyl group, pyrrolyl group, thiophenyl group, quinolyl group and isoquinolyl group, especially groups each having a total carbon number of from 6 to 14 and containing a heterocyclic group in at least a part thereof, for example, a quinolyl group and isoquinolyl group, and those obtained by substituting these groups with one or more of the below-mentioned hydrocarbon groups and/or alkoxy groups or by substituting the below-mentioned hydrocarbon groups with one or more of these groups such that the total carbon numbers of the thus-substituted groups fall within the above-specified range.

[0036] In the above-mentioned individual hydrophobic groups, the hydrocarbon groups which may be substituted to the exemplified groups and the hydrocarbon groups to which the exemplified groups may be substituted, both such that the total carbon numbers fall within the corresponding ranges, can be monovalent to trivalent hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, especially linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon groups having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, and saturated or unsaturated alicyclic hydrocarbon groups having 5 to 8 carbon atoms. In the above-mentioned individual hydrophobic groups, the alkoxy groups which may substitute to the exemplified groups such that the total carbon numbers of the thus-substituted groups fall within the corresponding ranges can be linear or branched alkoxy groups having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, especially 1 to 8 carbon atoms. A plurality of these hydrocarbon groups and/or alkoxy groups may be substituted to the exemplified groups.

[0037] The organic acid (A) or salt thereof may contain one or two, especially one acidic group selected from a sulfo group [—SO₃H], a sulfate ester group [—OSO₃H], a sulfino group [—SO₂H], a sulfeno group [—S—OH], a phosphono group [—P(═O) (OH)₂], a phosphate ester group [—OP(═O) (OH)₂, —H_(n+1)P_(n)O_(3n+1)] or a phosphinico group [═P(═O)OH] (a part or the whole part of which may form a salt). Examples of the acidic group can include preferably a sulfo group, a sulfate ester group, a phosphono group and a phosphate group, more preferably a sulfo group and a sulfate ester group, particularly preferably a sulfo group. The organic acid (A) or salt thereof may contain 0 to 2 amino and/or hydroxyl groups in total, although from the standpoint of extremely curly hair correcting effect, it is preferred not to contain these hydrophilic substituents. Examples of the salt of the organic acid (A) can include the sodium salt, the potassium salt, the ammonium salt, and the like. Preferred specific examples of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof can include the compounds to be shown hereinafter.

[0038] Illustrative of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, which contains an aliphatic or alicyclic hydrocarbon group and a sulfo group, are linear alkanesulfonic groups such as hexanesulfonic acid, heptanesulfonic acid, octanesulfonic acid and nonanesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; linear alkenesulfonic acids such as hexenesulfonic acid, heptenesulfonic acid, octenesulfonic acid and nonenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; alicyclic, saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbonsulfonic acids having 6 to 8 carbon atoms such as cyclohexanesulfonic acid and cyclohexenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; branched alkanesulfonic acids having 6 to 10 carbon atoms such as dimethylbutanesulfonic acid, ethylbutanesulfonic acid, methylpentanesulfonic acid, trimethylpentanesulfonic acid, ethylhexanesulfonic acid, trimethylhexanesulfonic acid, dimethylheptanesulfonic acid and dimethyloctanesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; branched alkene- or alkynesulfonic acids having 6 to 10 carbon atoms such as methylpentynesulfonic acid and trimethylpentenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; substituted alicyclic hydrocaronsulfonic acids having 6 to 11 carbon atoms such as methylcyclohexanesulfonic acid, dimethylcyclohexanesulfonic acid, ethylcyclohexanesulfonic acid, tert-butylcyclohexanesulfonic acid, dipentenesulfonic acid, dimethyloctadienesulfonic acid, dimethyloctatrienesulfonic acid and camphorsulfonic acid, and salts thereof.

[0039] Illustrative of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, which contains an aromatic hydrocarbon group and a sulfo group, are sulfonic acids containing a benzene skeleton, such as toluenesulfonic acid, butyltoluenesulfonic acid, xylenesulfonic acid, styrenesulfonic acid, methylstyrenesulfonic acid, butylstyrenesulfonic acid, cumenesulfonic acid,. methylcumenesulfonic acid, cymenesulfonic acid, trimethylbenzenesulfonic acid, ethylbenzenesulfonic acid, phenylethanesulfonic acid, diethylbenzenesulfonic acid, propyl- or isopropylbenzenesulfonic acid, phenylpropanesulfonic acid, diisopropenylbenzenesulfonic acid, divinylbenzenesulfonic acid, butyl-, isobutyl, tert-butyl- or sec-butylbenzenesulfonic acid, methylbutylbenzenesulfonic acid, di-tert-butylbenzenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; sulfonic acids containing a naphthalene skeleton, such as naphthalenesulfonic acid, naphthanedisulfonic acid, methylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, dimethylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, ethylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, propyl- or isopropylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, butyl-, isobutyl- and tert-butyl- or sec-butylnaphthalenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof; and biphenylsulfonic acid, phenoxybenzenesulfonic acid, ethoxybenzenesulfonic acid, phenoxyethanesulfonic acid, diphenylmethanesulfonic acid, anthracenesulfonic acid, indenesulfonic acid and fluorenesulfonic acid, and salts thereof.

[0040] Illustrative of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, which contains a heterocyclic group and a sulfo group, are quinolinesulfonic acid, isoquinolinesulfonic acid and methylquinolinesulfonic acid, and salts thereof.

[0041] As other preferred organic acids (A) or salts thereof, sulfate esters, phosphonic acid and phosphate esters, which contain the same hydrophobic groups as the above-described sulfonic acids, and their salts can be mentioned. Two or more of these organic acids (A) and salts thereof can be used in combination.

[0042] In the above-described hair treatment process comprising the steps (1-1) to (1-4), it is necessary for at least one of the first pack and the second pack to contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof. It is, however, preferred that these first and second packs both contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof. In the above-described hair treatment process comprising the steps (2-1) to (2-5), on the other hand, it is necessary for at least one of the first pack and the intermediate treatment to contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof. It is, however, preferred that the second pack also contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof. Further, it is more preferred that the second pack also contains the organic acid (A) or a salt thereof.

[0043] When these first pack, intermediate treatment and second pack contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, its content in each treatment may range preferably from 0.1 to 40 wt. %, more preferably from 1 to 30 wt. %, notably from 2 to 20 wt. %.

[0044] The expression “to have buffer capacity” as used herein means that a value B determined in accordance with the following formula by using as a scale the concentration of a base required to raise the pH of a 10 wt. % aqueous solution of a composition by 1 from the initial value at 25° C. (hereinafter called “B value”) is 0.001 gram equivalent/L or greater.

B=|dC _(B) /dpH|

[0045] where C_(B) indicates the ionic concentration (gram equivalent/L) of the base.

[0046] Measuring method: An aliquot (10 g) of the composition is weighed, to which water is added to 100 mL. The pH at this time is measured. To the solution, a 1 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide is then added to determine the volume (X mL) of the 1 N aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide required to raise the pH by 1. The value B is then calculated by B=X×{fraction (10/1000)} gram equivalent/L.

[0047] To allow the aqueous composition to have buffer capacity at pH 1 to 5, it is necessary for the aqueous composition to contain as a buffering agent an organic or inorganic acid the acid dissociation constant pKa at 25° C. of which (at least one pKa when the acid has plural acid dissociation constants) ranges from 1 to 5, and preferably also to contain its salt. Examples of the acid can include carboxylic acids and phosphoric acids, such as citric acid, lactic acid, malic acid, tartaric acid, glycolic acid, succinic acid, benzoic acid, and pyrrolidonecarboxylic acid. Illustrative of their salts are their alkali metal salts such as their sodium salts and potassium salts, their alkaline earth metal salts, and their ammonium salts. The possession of buffer capacity by the aqueous composition can enhance the extremely curly hair correcting effect. This can be considered to be attributed to the possibility of holding the pH at a low value by the possession of buffer capacity, since it is advantageous to control the pH at a lower value upon causing the anionized organic acid (A) or salt thereof to be adsorbed and immobilized like ionic bonding at cation sites formed as a result of cutting of ionic bonds in hair under an acidic condition.

[0048] The first pack for use in the present invention contains the hair keratin reducing substance. Examples of the hair keratin reducing substance can include thioglycolic acid, thiolactic acid, thioglycerol and glyceryl monothioglycolate, their salts such as their ammonium and sodium salts, and their derivatives; and cysteine, cysteine hydrochloride, N-acetylcysteine, sulfites and hydrogensulfites. Two or more of these hair keratin reducing substances can be used in combination. Its content may range preferably from 0.1 to 20 wt. %, more preferably from 1 to 10 wt. %, notably from 2 to 8 wt. % in the first pack.

[0049] To adjust the reducing power, it is also possible to add dithiodiglycolic acid or dithiodilactic acid, which is the dithio compound of the corresponding hair keratin reducing thiol compound described above, a salt thereof or the like.

[0050] The pH of the first pack may be adjusted preferably to 5 to 11, more preferably 6 to 10, notably 7 to 9.6.

[0051] The intermediate treatment for use in the present invention has buffer capacity, specifically a B value of 0.001 gram equivalent/L or greater, preferably 0.01 gram equivalent/L or greater, notably 0.01 to 0.2 gram equivalent/L. The intermediate treatment can preferably contain a buffering agent in a proportion of from 1 to 20 wt. %. Its pH ranges from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 4, more preferably from 1 to 3.5, notably from 2.5 to 3.5.

[0052] To be able to confirm that the pH has fallen within the range of from 1 to 5 upon mixing the intermediate treatment with the first pack on the hair, the intermediate treatment may contain a pH indicator, for example, methyl yellow, methyl orange, methyl red or bromophenol blue.

[0053] As a special form of the intermediate treatment, it may be contemplated, for example, to mix a suitable amount of a solid acid (citric acid or the like) with the first pack during application of the first pack to the hair such that the pH is lowered to 1 to 5; or to coat a solid acid with a sustained-dissolution coating agent and to mix a suitable amount of the thus-coated solid acid with the first pack shortly before or during application of the first pack to the hair such that the pH is lowered to pH 1 to 5 at a stage that a certain time has elapsed. Usable examples of the coating agent can include water-soluble high molecular compounds such as polyethylene glycol, gypsum films, hydrophobic substances such as calcium fluoride, solid fat preparations, and surfactants.

[0054] The second pack for use in the present invention contain the oxidizing agent. Examples of the oxidizing agent can include sodium bromate, sodium perborate and hydrogen peroxide, with hydrogen peroxide being particularly preferred. Two or more of these oxidizing agents can be used in combination. Its content may preferably range from 0.1 to 20 wt. % in the second pack.

[0055] The second pack in the process, which comprises the steps (1-1) to (1-4), has buffer capacity, specifically a B value of 0.001 gram equivalent/L or greater, preferably 0.01 gram equivalent/L or greater, notably 0.01 to 0.2 gram equivalent/L or greater. This second pack may preferably contain a buffering agent in a proportion of from 1 to 20 wt. %. Its pH may range from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 4, more preferably from 1 to 3.5, notably from 2.5 to 3.5.

[0056] In the hair treatment process comprising the steps (2-1) to (2-5), on the other hand, the intermediate treatment has buffer capacity and its pH ranges from 1 to 5. It is, therefore, not essential for the second pack to be one having buffer capacity and pH 1 to 5, although it is preferred to have buffer capacity and pH 1 to 5. When this second pack has buffer capacity, it is preferred to contain a buffering agent in a proportion of from 1 to 20 wt. %.

[0057] These first pack, intermediate treatment and second pack may preferably contain an organic solvent to facilitate penetration of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof into the hair. Preferred examples of the organic solvent can include those represented by any one of the following formulas (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (v).

[0058] wherein R¹ represents a hydrogen atom, a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms or a linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, W represents a single bond, a methylene group or a linear or branched alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, Y¹ represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and n denotes an integer of from 0 to 3.

R²—(OY²)_(m)—OH   (ii)

[0059] wherein R² represents a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 4 to 7 carbon atoms, Y² represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and m denotes an integer of from 0 to 3.

[0060] wherein R³ represents a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0061] wherein R⁴ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms.

[0062] wherein R⁵ represents a hydrogen atom or a linear or branched alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, and k denotes an integer of 1 or 2.

[0063] In the formulas (i) to (v), examples of the linear or branched alkyl groups having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and represented by R¹, R³, R⁴ and R⁵ can include methyl group, ethyl group, propyl group, isopropyl group, butyl group, isobutyl group, sec-butyl group and tert-butyl group.

[0064] Examples of the linear or branched alkoxy group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and represented by R¹ can include methoxy group, ethoxy group, propoxy group, isopropoxy group and butoxy group. Examples of the linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 4 to 7 carbon atoms and represented by R² can include butyl group, pentyl group, hexyl group, heptyl group, isobutyl group, cyclopentyl group and cyclohexyl group. Further, examples of the linear or branched alkylene groups having 2-4 carbon atoms and represented by X, Y¹ and Y² can include can include ethylene group, trimethylene group, propylene group and tetramethylene group.

[0065] Illustrative organic solvents (i) are 2-phenoxyethanol, benzyl alcohol, 2-phenylethanol and 2-benzyloxyethanol; illustrative organic solvents (ii) are n-butanol, ethylene glycol mono(n-butyl) ether and diethylene glycol mono(n-butyl) ether; illustrative organic solvents (iii) are N-methylpyrrolidone and N-ethylpyrrolidone; illustrative organic solvents (iv) are ethylene carbonate and propylene carbonate; and illustrative organic solvents (v) are γ-butyrolactone, γ-valerolactone and γ-caprolactone. Among these, the organic solvents (i), especially benzyl alcohol and 2-benzyloxyethanol are preferred.

[0066] It is also preferred to add a lower alkanol such as ethanol or isopropanol, a polyol such as propylene glycol, hexylene glycol or glycerin, or a mono-lower alkyl ether of ethylene glycol or diethylene glycol.

[0067] Two or more organic solvents may be used in combination. Its content may range preferably from 1 to 50 wt. %, more preferably from 3 to 45 wt. %, notably from 5 to 40 wt. % in each pack and treatment.

[0068] In the step (1-1), the amount of the first pack to be applied may range preferably from 0.1 to 4 times by weight, notably from 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the hair to be treated. Depending upon the degree of natural curliness, curliness or the like, the thickness and the damage condition of the hair to be treated, the time of treatment with the first pack may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 120 minutes. During the treatment, the hair may be heated if necessary. It is preferred to control the temperature at 30 to 55° C., especially at 35 to 50° C. around the hair.

[0069] It is preferred to skip the step (1-2) when the first pack employed in the step (1-1) contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, but to conduct the step (1-2) when the first pack employed in the step (1-1) does not contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof.

[0070] In the step (1-3), the amount of the second pack to be applied may range preferably from 0.1 to 3 times by weight, notably from 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the hair to be treated when the step (1-2) is conducted. When the step (1-2) is not conducted, however, the amount of the second pack to be applied may range preferably from 0.5 to 20 times by weight as much as the amount of the first pack applied. Depending upon the hair keratin reducing power of the first pack, the time of treatment with the first pack, the oxidizing power of the second pack, and the like, the time of treatment with the second pack may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 60 minutes.

[0071] In the step (1-4), the aqueous treatment on the hair is first rinsed off, and after shampooing and rinsing as needed, the hair is dried.

[0072] The shaping is conducted in any one or more of the above-described steps. This shaping itself can be conducted in a similar manner as in conventional permanent treatments (straight perm, wavy perm, ironing perm). In the case of straightening, a sufficient extremely curly hair correcting effect can be obtained even by a simple procedure that the hair is smoothed into straight configuration by a brush or the like while the first pack and second pack are still remaining on the hair. When a heating device (iron) is used, a high extremely curly hair correcting effect can also be obtained by ironing the hair after the aqueous treatment is rinsed off in the step (1-4).

[0073] When an iron is used for shaping, the temperature of the iron may be set preferably at 70 to 180° C., notably at 140 to 180° C. Upon ironing, a treatment with a hair protecting ingredient or the like contained therein can be used as needed. The use of the iron makes it possible to obtain a still higher extremely curly hair correcting effect.

[0074] In the step (2-1), the amount of the first pack to be applied may range preferably from 0.1 to 4 times by weight, notably from 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the hair to be treated. Depending upon the degree of natural curliness, curliness or the like, the thickness and the damage condition of the hair to be treated, the time of treatment with the first pack may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 120 minutes. During the treatment, the hair may be heated if necessary. It is preferred to control the temperature at 30 to 55° C., especially at 35 to 50° C. around the hair.

[0075] In the step (2-2), the intermediate treatment is applied to the hair which has been treated with the first pack. When the first pack contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, the amount of the intermediate treatment to be applied is suitably adjusted depending upon the pH of the first pack, the pH and buffer capacity of the intermediate treatment, and the like. Specifically, the intermediate treatment may be applied in an amount such that subsequent to its mixing with the first pack as an aqueous alkaline solution, the pH may fall within a range of from 1 to 5, preferably from 2 to 4, more preferably from 2.5 to 3.8. The amount of the intermediate treatment to be applied may be preferably 1 to 50 times by weight, notably 2 to 10 times by weight as much as the amount of the first pack applied. Depending upon the degree of natural curliness, curliness or the like, the thickness and the damage condition of the hair to be treated, the time of treatment with the intermediate treatment may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 0.1 to 60 minutes. During the treatment, the hair may be heated if necessary. It is preferred to control the temperature at 30 to 55° C., especially at 35 to 50° C. around the hair. When the first pack does not contain the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, on the other hand, it is preferred to rinse off the first pack before applying the intermediate treatment to the hair. The amount of the intermediate treatment to be applied may be preferably 0.1 to 3 times by weight, notably 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the amount of the hair to be treated. Depending upon the degree of natural curliness, curliness or the like, the thickness and the damage condition of the hair to be treated, the time of treatment with the intermediate treatment may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 60 minutes. During the treatment, the hair may be heated if necessary. It is preferred to control the temperature at 30 to 55° C., especially at 35 to 50° C. around the hair. Incidentally, the correcting effect can be enhanced still further by conducting additional treatment with the intermediate treatment, which contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, after the hair is rinsed with water subsequent to its successive treatment with the first pack, which contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof, and the intermediate treatment.

[0076] It is preferred to conduct the rinsing of the step (2-3) so that the still remaining treatment with the hair keratin reducing substance contained therein can be rinsed off.

[0077] In the step (2-4), the amount of the second pack to be applied may range preferably from 0.1 to 3 times by weight, notably from 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the hair to be treated. Depending upon the hair keratin reducing power of the first pack, the time of treatment with the first pack, the oxidizing power of the second pack, and the like, the time of treatment with the second pack may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 60 minutes.

[0078] In the step (2-5), the aqueous treatment on the hair is first rinsed off, and after shampooing and rinsing as needed, the hair is dried.

[0079] The shaping is conducted in any one, two or more of the above-described steps. This shaping itself can be conducted in a similar manner as in conventional permanent treatments (straight perm, wavy perm, ironing perm). In the case of straightening, a sufficient extremely curly hair correcting effect can be obtained even by a simple procedure that the hair is smoothed into straight configuration by a brush or the like while the first pack, the second pack or the intermediate treatment still remains on the hair. When an iron is used, a high extremely curly hair correcting effect can also be obtained by ironing the hair after the aqueous treatment is rinsed off in the step (2-3) or (2-5).

[0080] When an iron is used for shaping, the temperature of the iron may be set preferably at 70 to 180° C., notably at 140 to 180° C. Upon ironing, a treatment with a hair protecting ingredient or the like contained therein can be used as needed. The use of the iron makes it possible to obtain a still higher extremely curly hair correcting effect.

[0081] The hair treated by the above-described process is also excellent in the persistency of the extremely curly hair correcting effect. When general hair care (shampooing, rinsing and the like) is repeated routinely, a clear difference is observed in persistency between the hair treated by the above-described process and the hairs treated by conventional straight perm.

[0082] When an after-treatment which contains the organic acid (A) or salt thereof and has buffer capacity and pH 1 to 5 is applied to the hair upon elapsed time of several days to several weeks subsequent to its treatment by the above-mentioned process and, after the hair is left over for 1 to 120 minutes, the hair is rinsed with water and is then dried, the extremely curly hair correcting effect can be maintained for a longer period or can be restored even after an elapse of a longer period.

[0083] The after-treatment employed here has buffer capacity, and its B value is 0.001 gram equivalent/L or greater, preferably 0.01 gram equivalent/L or greater, notably 0.01 to 0.2 gram equivalent/L. The after-treatment may contain a buffering agent in a proportion of from 1 to 20 wt. %. Its pH may range from 1 to 5, preferably from 1 to 4, more preferably from 1 to 3.5, notably from 2.5 to 3.5.

[0084] The content of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof in the after-treatment may range preferably from 0.1 to 40 wt. %, more preferably from 1 to 30 wt. %, notably from 2 to 20 wt. %. To facilitate the penetration of the organic acid (A) or salt thereof into the hair, the after-treatment may preferably contain an organic solvent. Preferred examples of the organic solvent can be those represented by any one of the formulas (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) and (iv) described above. Two or more organic solvents may be used in combination. Its content may range preferably from 1 to 50 wt. %, more preferably from 3 to 45 wt. %, notably from 5 to 40 wt. % in the whole composition.

[0085] As the after-treatment is no longer required to contain the hair keratin reducing substance or the oxidizing agent, the above-described treatment does not cause a hair damage which would otherwise occur by such a substance or agent. Further, the after-treatment can be used very conveniently as it can be formulated into a shampoo, a rinse, a pre-shampooing treatment or the like. The after-treatment can be applied no matter whether the hair is dry or wet. The amount of the after-treatment to be applied may range preferably from 0.1 to 3 times by weight, notably from 0.5 to 2.5 times by weight as much as the hair to be treated, although it should be suitably adjusted depending on its preparation form and the like. The time of treatment with the after-treatment may be suitably adjusted within a range of from 1 to 120 minutes. During the treatment, the hair may be heated if necessary. It is preferred to control the temperature at 30 to 55° C., especially at 35 to 50° C. around the hair.

[0086] Preferably, the first pack, second pack, intermediate treatment and after-treatment in the present invention may each contain water as a medium and be in the form of a liquid or in the form of a gel with a viscosity increasing agent contained therein. In addition to the above-mentioned ingredients, they can contain a variety of perfume and/or cosmetic ingredients as needed. Illustrative of such perfume and/or cosmetic ingredients are pH adjusters (ammonia, monoethanolamine, 2-propanolamine, sodium hydroxide, citric acid, sodium citrate, lactic acid, sodium lactate, phosphoric acid, etc.), viscosity increasing agents (hydroxyethylcellulose, xanthan gum, polyacrylic acid derivatives, etc.), anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, nonionic surfactants, semi-polar surfactants, cosmetic oils, silicones, anionic polymers, cationic polymers, amphoteric polymers, fragrances, colorants, preservatives, ultraviolet absorbers, hair protecting ingredients, touch feel improvers, humectants, chelating agents, hair growth promotion ingredients, and so on.

EXAMPLES Example 1 and Comparative Example 1

[0087] The following first pack, intermediate treatment and second pack were prepared, and were employed for the below-described extremely curly hair correction treatments and their ranking. (wt. %) First Pack X [sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (2-NSA added)] Monoethanolamine thioglycolate (50 wt. %) 14.0 Monoethanolamine q.s. (to pH 9.0) Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate 6.0 2-Benzyloxyethanol 7.5 Ethanol 10.0 Disodium edetate 0.5 Hydroxypropyl xanthan gum 2.0 Purified water Balance 100.0 First Pack Y [2-NSA free] 2-NSA was not added in the composition of the first pack X, and the composition was balanced with purified water. Intermediate Treatment X [2-NSA added] Lactic acid 5.0 Citric acid 5.0 Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate 6.0 2-Benzyloxyethanol 7.5 Ethanol 10.0 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 3.0) Purified water Balance 100.0 Intermediate Treatment Y [2-NSA free] Lactic acid 5.0 Citric acid 5.0 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 3.0) Purified water Balance 100.0 Second Pack X [2-NSA added] 35 wt. % hydrogen peroxide 5.71 Lactic acid 5.0 Citric acid 5.0 Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate 6.0 2-Benzyloxyethanol 7.5 Ethanol 10.0 Oxyquinoline sulfate 0.04 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 3.0) Purified water Balance 100.0

[0088] Second Pack Y[2-NSA Free]

[0089] 2-NSA was not added in the composition of the second pack X, and the composition was balanced with purified water.

[0090] <Treatment and Ranking Methods>

[0091] The treatments of Comparative Example 1 and Examples 1-A to 1-I shown in Table 1 were applied to the natural extremely curly hair of a Japanese subject, separately. From the external appearances of the hair after drying, their correcting effects were ranked in accordance with the below-described standard.

[0092] (1) Treatment with the First Packs

[0093] Each first pack was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair. The hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over for 30 minutes. Upon elapsed time of 15 minutes after the application, however, the hair was again smoothed into straight configuration with fingers or a comb.

[0094] (2) Intermediate Treatment

[0095] In each of Examples 1-F to 1-I, the corresponding intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 5 times as much as the amount of the first pack used, and after having the intermediate treatment absorbed in the hair, the intermediate treatment was promptly rinsed off with water and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water.

[0096] In each of Examples 1-D and 1-E, the first pack was rinsed off with water, the hair was towel-blotted to remove water, the corresponding intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over for 30 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and towel-blotted to remove water.

[0097] In each of Examples 1-B and 1-C, the corresponding first pack was not rinsed off by water, and in each of Comparative Example 1 and Example 1-A, the hair was towel-blotted to remove water after the corresponding first pack was rinsed off. In all of Examples 1-A, 1B and 1-C and Comparative Example 1, no intermediate treatment was conducted.

[0098] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs

[0099] In each of Comparative Example 1, Example 1-A and Examples 1-D to 1-I, the corresponding second pack was applied to the hair in an amount equal in weight to the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried. In each of Examples 1-B and 1-C, the corresponding second pack was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried.

[0100] <Ranking Standard>

[0101] 5: Substantially completely straight.

[0102] 4: Extremely high correcting effect compared with the comparative example.

[0103] 3: Considerably high correcting effect compared with the comparative example.

[0104] 2: Slightly high correcting effect compared with the comparative example.

[0105] 1: Extremely natural curliness remains (comparative example).

[0106] <Results>

[0107] The results are presented in Table 1. TABLE 1 First Intermediate Second Correcting Treatment pack Water rinse treatment Water rinse pack effect Comp. Ex. 1 Y Water rinse — — Y 1 Ex. 1-A Y Water rinse — — X 3 Ex. 1-B X — — — Y 3 Ex. 1-C X — — — X 3 Ex. 1-D Y Water rinse X Water rinse Y 3 Ex. 1-E Y Water rinse X Water rinse X 3 Ex. 1-F X — Y Water rinse Y 4 Ex. 1-G X — Y Water rinse X 5 Ex. 1-H X — X Water rinse Y 5 Ex. 1-I X — X Water rinse X 5

[0108] As shown in Table 1, compared with Comparative Example 1, a high correcting effect was obtained in each treatment process in which 2-NSA was caused to act under an acidic condition at any one of reduction and oxidation stages. Especially when 2-NSA was added to the first pack and the intermediate treatment was conducted with one of the intermediate treatments having buffer capacity (Examples 1-F to 1-I), a superb correcting effect was obtained. When 2-NSA was added to one or both of the intermediate treatments and the second packs, a particularly superb correcting effect was obtained (Examples 1-G to 1-I).

[0109] When the hair samples which had been treated under the conditions of Examples 1-F to 1-I, respectively, were washed repeatedly seven times, some recovery of the natural curliness was observed. A composition of the same formulation as the intermediate treatment X was applied as an after-treatment to those hair samples in amounts 1.5 times as much as the weights of the hair samples. After the hair samples were left over at room temperature for 30 minutes, they were rinsed and dried. From their external appearances, correcting effects were ranked. In all of those experiments, the hair samples were confirmed to substantially return into their configurations shortly after their treatments in Examples 1-F to 1-I.

Example 2 and Comparative Example 2

[0110] The first pack Y, intermediate treatment X and second pack Y, which were employed in Example 1, and the following intermediate treatment Z and second pack Z were employed in the below-descried extremely curly hair correcting treatments and their ranking.

[0111] Intermediate Treatment Z [2-NSA Added, no Buffer Capacity]

[0112] The following intermediate treatment which was added with 2-NSA but did not have buffer capacity was prepared. This substantially corresponds to the formulation of the intermediate treatment in Example 3 of JP-A-07101840. (wt. %) Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate  6.0 2-Benzyloxyethanol  7.5 Ethanol  10.0 0.1 N hydrochloric acid q.s. (to pH 3.0) Purified water Balance 100.0

[0113] Second Pack Z [Aqueous Sodium Bromate Solution]

[0114] A 6.0 wt. % aqueous solution of sodium bromate was prepared. This corresponds to the formulation of the second pack in Example 3 of JP-A-07101840.

[0115] <Treatment and Ranking Methods>

[0116] The treatments of Comparative Example 2 and Example 2 presented in Table 2 were applied to the natural extremely curly hair of a Japanese subject, separately. From the external appearances of those hair samples after drying, their correcting effects were ranked. TABLE 2 First Water Intermediate Water Second Treatment pack rinse treatment rinse pack Comp. Ex. 2 Y Water Z Water Z rinse rinse Ex. 2 Y Water X Water Y rinse rinse

[0117] (1) Treatment with the First Packs

[0118] The first pack Y was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair. The hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over for 30 minutes. Upon elapsed time of 15 minutes after the application, however, the hair was again smoothed into straight configuration with fingers or a comb.

[0119] (2) Intermediate Treatment

[0120] After the first pack was rinsed off with water and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water, the corresponding intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair. The hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over at 50° C. for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and towel-blotted to remove water.

[0121] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs

[0122] The corresponding second pack was applied to the hair in an amount equal in weight to the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried. <Results>

[0123] Compared with the treatment by the process described in Example 3 of JP-A-07101840 (Comparative Example 2), the treatment by the process of the present invention, which makes use of an intermediate treatment having buffer capacity, (Example 2) clearly exhibited a high correcting effect.

Examples 3 and Comparative Example 3

[0124] Prepared were first packs, intermediate treatment and second packs, which had the compositions presented in Tables 3 to 5, respectively, and contained various organic acids (A). In each pack, the corresponding organic acid(s) (A) was(were) added in a total amount of 0.39 mol.

[0125] Kinds of compounds (A):

[0126] Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (2-NSA)

[0127] Sodium octanesulfonate (OSA)

[0128] Sodium 2-ethylhexylsulfonate (2-EHSA)

[0129] Sodium butoxypropanesulfonate (BOPSA)

[0130] Sodium xylenesulfonate (XSA)

[0131] Sodium cumenesulfonate (CSA) TABLE 3 First pack (wt. %) A B C D E F G H Control Monoethanolamine thioglycolate (50 wt. %) 15.0 Monoethanolamine q.s. (to pH 9.15) 2-Benzyloxyethanol  7.5 Ethanol 10.0 Disodium edetate  0.5 Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (2-NSA) 9.0 — — — — — 4.5 4.5 — Sodium octanesulfonate (OSA) — 8.5 — — — — 4.3 — — Sodium 2-ethylhexylsulfonate (2-EHSA) — — 8.5 — — — — — — Sodium butoxypropanesulfonate (BOPSA) — — — 8.5 — — — — — Sodium xylenesulfonate (XSA) — — — — 8.1 — — 4.1 — Sodium cumenesulfonate (CSA) — — — — — 8.7 — — — Purified water Balance Total 100.0 

[0132] TABLE 4 (wt. %) Intermediate treatment Lactic acid  5.0 Citric acid  5.0 48 wt. % aqueous solution q.s. (to pH 2.9) of caustic soda Purified water Balance Total 100.0

[0133] TABLE 5 Second pack (wt. %) A B C D E F G H Control Hydrogen peroxide (35 wt. %)  5.71 Lactic acid 5.0 Citric acid 5.0 Benzyl alcohol 7.5 Ethanol 10.0  Oxyquinoline sulfate  0.04 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 3.0) Sodium 2-naphthalenesulfonate (NSA) 9.0 — — — — — 4.5 4.5 — Sodium octanesulfonate (OSA) — 8.5 — — — — 4.3 — — Sodium 2-ethylhexylsulfonate (2-EHSA) — — 8.5 — — — — — — Sodium butoxypropanesulfonate (BOPSA) — — — 8.5 — — — — — Sodium xylenesulfonate (XSA) — — — — 8.1 — — 4.1 — Sodium cumenesulfonate (CSA) — — — — — 8.7 — — — Purified water Balance Total 100.0 

[0134] Using those first packs, intermediate treatment and second packs, correction treatments were applied to the natural extremely curly hair of a Japanese subject by the processes presented in Table 6, respectively. From the external appearances of the hair samples after drying, their correcting effects were ranked in accordance with the same standard as in Example 1.

[0135] (1) Treatment with the First Packs

[0136] Each first pack was applied to the hair in an amount 2 times as much as the weight of the hair. The hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over for 45 minutes.

[0137] (2) Intermediate Treatment

[0138] In each example, the intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 7 times as much as the used amount of the corresponding first pack without rinsing off the first pack with water. After having the intermediate treatment absorbed in the hair, the intermediate treatment was promptly rinsed off with water and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water.

[0139] In the comparative example, no intermediate treatment was conducted, the first pack was rinsed off with water, and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water.

[0140] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs

[0141] Each second pack was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 20 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried.

[0142] <Results>

[0143] The results are presented in Table 6. In each of the examples except for Comparative Example 3, a high correcting effect was confirmed. TABLE 6 First Intermediate Second Correcting Treatment pack Water rinse treatment Water rinse pack effect Comp. Ex. 3 Control — — Water rinse Control 1 Ex. 3-A A — Conducted Water rinse A 5 Ex. 3-B B — Conducted Water rinse B 4 Ex. 3-C C — Conducted Water rinse C 4 Ex. 3-D D — Conducted Water rinse D 3 Ex. 3-E E — Conducted Water rinse E 5 Ex. 3-F F — Conducted Water rinse F 5 Ex. 3-G G — Conducted Water rinse G 5 Ex. 3-H H — Conducted Water rinse H 5

Example 4 and Comparative Example 4

[0144] <Treatment and Ranking Methods>

[0145] Using the first packs X and Y, the intermediate treatment Y and the second packs X and Y prepared in Example 1, treatments were applied to the extremely natural extremely curly hair of a Latin American subject and that of a black subject in a similar manner as in Example 1-G and Comparative Example 1, separately. From the external appearances of the hair samples after drying, their natural curliness correcting effects were ranked in accordance with the same standard as in Example 1.

[0146] (1) Treatment with the First Packs

[0147] Each first pack was applied in an amount 2 times as much as the weight of the Latin American subject's hair and in an amount 3 times as much as the weight of the black subject's hair. The hair samples were smoothed into straight configuration and were left over for 30 minutes. In each of these cases, however, upon an elapsed time of 15 minutes after the application, the hair sample was smoothed into straight configuration with fingers or a comb.

[0148] (2) Intermediate Treatment

[0149] In each example, the intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 5 times as much as the used amount of the corresponding first pack without rinsing off the first pack with water. After having the intermediate treatment absorbed in the hair, the intermediate treatment was promptly rinsed off with water and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water.

[0150] In the comparative example, the first pack was rinsed off with water, the hair was towel-blotted to remove water, and no intermediate treatment was conducted.

[0151] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs

[0152] Each second pack was applied to the hair in a weight equal to the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried.

[0153] <Results>

[0154] With respect to both of the Latin American subject's hair and the black subject's hair, practically no correcting effect was observed in the comparative example (ranking score=1). In the examples, an extremely high correcting effect was obtained (ranking score=4).

Example 5

[0155] <Treatment and Ranking Methods>

[0156] Using the first pack X, the intermediate treatment Y and the second packs X and Y prepared in Example 1, treatments were applied to the natural extremely curly hair of a Latin American subject in a similar manner as in Example 1-G and Examples 5-A to 5-D presented in Table 7, separately. From the external appearances after drying, their natural curliness correcting effects were ranked. TABLE 7 First Intermediate Second Treatment pack Water rinse treatment Water rinse Ironing pack Ironing Ex. 1-G X — Y Water rinse — X — Ex. 5-A X — Y Water rinse 170° C. Y — Ex. 5-B X — Y Water rinse 170° C. X — Ex. 5-C X — Y Water rinse — Y 170° C. Ex. 5-D X — Y Water rinse — X 170° C.

[0157] (1) Treatment with the First Pack

[0158] The first pack was applied to the hair in an amount 1.5 times as much as the weight of the hair. The hair was smoothed into straight configuration and was left over for 30 minutes. Upon an elapsed time of 15 minutes after the application, however, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration with fingers or a comb.

[0159] (2) Intermediate Treatment and High-Temperature Ironing

[0160] The intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 5 times as much as the used amount of the first pack without rinsing off the first pack with water. After having the intermediate treatment absorbed in the hair, the intermediate treatment was promptly rinsed off with water and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water. In each of Examples 5-A and 5-B, the hair was dried with a drier and then, high-temperature ironing (170° C.) was conducted by a method known per se in the art.

[0161] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs and High-Temperature Ironing

[0162] The second pack was applied to the hair in a weight equal to the hair, the hair was smoothed into straight configuration and left over for 15 minutes, and the hair was rinsed with water and then dried. In each of Examples 5-C and 5-D, high-temperature ironing (170° C.) was conducted by a method known per se in the art.

[0163] Upon completion of the above treatment, the hair was fully moistened again with water and was then dried. Based on the configuration of the hair in that state, its curliness correcting effect was ranked.

[0164] <Results>

[0165] In each of the Examples 5-A to 5-D, a correcting effect superior to the result of Example 1-G was obtained.

Example 6 and Comparative Example 5

[0166] The below-described first packs X′ and Y′, intermediate treatment Y′ and second packs X′ and Y′ were prepared, and were employed in the below-descried permanent wave treatments and their ranking. (wt. %) First Pack X′ [sodium octanesulfonate (OSA) added] Ammonium thioglycolate (50 wt. %) 13.6 Strong aqueous ammonia (28 wt. %) q.s. (to pH 8.5) Ammonium bicarbonate 2.0 Sodium octanesulfonate 12.0 Disodium edetate 0.5 Purified water Balance 100.0 First Pack Y′ [OSA free] OSA was not added in the composition of the first pack X′, and the composition was balanced with purified water. Intermediate Treatment Y′ [OSA free] Glycolic acid 10.0 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 3.0) Purified water Balance 100.0 Second Pack X′ [OSA added] 35 wt. % hydrogen peroxide 5.71 Sodium octanesulfoante 8.0 Glycolic acid 10.0 Oxyquinoline sulfate 0.04 48 wt. % aq. soln. of caustic soda q.s. (to pH 2.6) Purified water Balance 100.0

[0167] Second Pack Y′ [OSA Free]

[0168] OSA was not added in the composition of the second pack X′, and the composition was balanced with purified water.

[0169] <Treatment and Ranking Methods>

[0170] Tresses were each prepared with 10 fibers of the natural extremely curly hair of a Japanese subject. Those tresses were wound on glass rods of 10 mm in diameter, and then subjected to the treatments presented in Table 8, respectively. From their external appearances, the conditions of the thus-applied permanent waves were ranked. TABLE 8 First Water Intermediate Water Second Treatment pack rinse treatment rinse pack Comp. Ex. 5 Y′ — — Water Y′ rinse Ex. 6 X′ — Y′ Water X′ rinse

[0171] (1) Treatment with the First Packs

[0172] In each of Example 6 and Comparative Example 5, the corresponding first pack was applied in a weight equal to the tress, and the tress was left over at 40° C. for 30 minutes.

[0173] (2) Intermediate Treatment

[0174] In Example 6, the intermediate treatment was applied to the hair in an amount 2 times as much as the used amount of the corresponding first pack without rinsing off the first pack with water. After the hair was left over for 1 minute, the hair was rinsed with water and towel-blotted to remove water.

[0175] In Comparative Example 5, the first pack was rinsed off with water, and the hair was towel-blotted to remove water.

[0176] (3) Treatment with the Second Packs

[0177] In each of Example 6 and Comparative Example 5, the corresponding second pack was applied to the hair in a weight equal to the hair. After the hair was left over at 40° C. for 20 minutes, the hair was rinsed with water, unwound from the rod, and then allowed to dry naturally.

[0178] <Results>

[0179] In Comparative Example 5, the tress was in a disheveled form accompanied with natural curliness and curls imparted by the permanent wave treatment. In Example 6, on the other hand, new curls were imparted subsequent to correction of the natural curliness. The tress was, therefore, in an attractively styled, wavy form. 

1. A hair treatment process comprising the following steps (1-1) to (1-4) in at least one of which shaping of hair is conducted with optional use of a heating device as needed, and at least one of a first pack and a second pack comprising the following organic acid (A) or a salt thereof: Steps: (1-1) applying said first pack, which comprises a hair keratin reducing substance, to said hair, and after allowing said hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes, (1-2) rinsing said hair with water as needed, (1-3) applying said second pack, which comprises an oxidizing agent, has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5, to said hair, and after allowing said hair to stand for 1 to 60 minutes, (1-4) rinsing said hair with water, and drying said hair. Organic acid (A): a compound comprising a non-aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11 or an aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 and an acidic group selected from a sulfo group, sulfate ester group, sulfino group, sulfeno group, phosphono group, phosphate ester group or phosphinico group.
 2. A hair treatment process comprising the following steps (2-1) to (2-5) in at least one of which shaping of hair is conducted with optional use of a heating device as needed, and at least one of a first pack and an intermediate treatment comprising the following organic acid (A) or a salt thereof: Steps: (2-1) applying said first pack, which comprises a hair keratin reducing substance, to said hair, and after allowing said hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes, (2-2) applying said intermediate treatment, which has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5, to said hair, (2-3) rinsing said hair with water as needed, (2-4) applying a second pack, which comprises an oxidizing agent, to said hair, and after allowing said hair to stand for 1 to 60 minutes, (2-5) rinsing said hair with water, and drying said hair. Organic acid (A): a compound comprising a non-aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 3 to 11 or an aromatic hydrophobic group having a total carbon number of from 4 to 18 and an acidic group selected from a sulfo group, sulfate ester group., sulfino group, sulfeno group, phosphono group, phosphate ester group or phosphinico group.
 3. A hair treatment process according to claim 2, wherein said second pack comprises said organic acid (A) or salt thereof, has buffer capacity, and has a pH of from 1 to
 5. 4. A hair treatment process comprising applying an after-treatment, which comprises said organic acid (A) or salt thereof, has buffer capacity and has a pH of from 1 to 5, to said hair treated by the process described in any one of claims 1-3, allowing said hair to stand for 1 to 120 minutes, rinsing said hair with water, and then drying said hair.
 5. An aqueous composition, which is said first pack for use in the hair treatment process according to any one of claims 1-3, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of said organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 0.1 to 20 wt. % of said hair keratin reducing substance, and has a pH of from 5 to
 11. 6. An aqueous composition, which is said second pack for use in the hair treatment process according to any one of claims 1-3, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of said organic acid (A) or salt thereof, 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent and 0.1 to 20 wt. % of said oxidizing agent, and has a pH of from 1 to
 5. 7. An aqueous composition, which is said intermediate treatment for use in the hair treatment process according to claim 2 or 3, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of said organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent, and has a pH of from 1 to
 5. 8. An aqueous composition, which is said after-treatment for use in the hair treatment process according to claim 4, comprises 0.1 to 40 wt. % of said organic acid (A) or salt thereof and 1 to 20 wt. % of a buffering agent, and has a pH of from 1 to
 5. 